Apothecary

Among the 225 men sent from London to settle at Jamestown in 1607, seven
were practitioners of medicine in one of its branches. The records
show that 17 men operated apothecary shops in Williamsburg in the
18th century. Still others practiced the trade but did not operate
a shop. The mortar and pestle, the symbol of pharmacy for centuries,
marks the location of one 18th-century apothecary in Williamsburg.

Dr. William Pasteur and Dr. John Minson Galt were partners in a shop on
this site from 1775-1778. In addition to dispensing medicines, they
provided surgical, midwifery, dental, and general medical services.
Both doctors served apprenticeships and studied at St. Thomas's
Hospital in London. The partnership lasted until 1778, at which
time Pasteur retired from medicine. Galt continued in the business.
Dr. Pasteur died in 1791, Galt in 1808.

The reconstructed shop stands today where the original did. It is stocked
and furnished much as it was then, including copies of Galt's medical
certificates that are hanging on the walls.

The mortar and pestle was an important tool in the preparation of
medicines and was found in many sizes and materials. Glass and ceramic containers by
the hundreds were also used to store simple ingredients and compounds for sale. Prepared
medicines were stored in jars of various sorts. Unlike today, prescription were not
required for purchasing any medicines.

The apothecary sold patented and proprietary medicines as well as medicines
he made from imported ingredients. These ingredients included plant, animal,
chemical and mineral materials. Liquids were the most common form of medicine
and included tinctures and spirits (alcohol based), syrups (sugar and
water based), and decoctions and infusions (water based). In this picture,
a grater is being used to make a medicine.

How often do you go to the drug store today to purchase something other
than medicine? Doctors often supplemented their income by selling such
articles as tobacco, snuff, gold and silver leaf, vermicelli, French chalk
for taking grease out of silks and fine cloths, candles, spices, and sugar.

Apothecary businesses usually contained areas for serving customers,
for accounting purposes, and for a study. Also on the property might be
facilities for making medicines. The doctor kept records relating to his
business as well as medical books, educational aids, and tools of the
trade in the study area. Doctors usually visited patients in their homes
rather than in the shop.

Apothecaries played an important role in 18th-century Virginia households by providing a wide
range of medical services and medicines for those who could afford them. While it is true that
many Virginians grew herbs in their own gardens for use in treating family illnesses, they also
relied on the doctor to treat serious illness and to provide imported and patent medicines which
were otherwise unavailable.